Middle School Curriculum

(6th - 8th Grades)

At Immanuel Lutheran School in Olivette, the middle school faculty is committed to preparing

our students for the academic rigors of high school. Each teacher motivates students to become

independent advocates for his or her education. We want our students to graduate from the eighth grade

poised to enter confidently into the world of high school.

We review the textbooks and resources that support our curriculum through a six year cycle. The cycle review is as follows:

2019 – Math
2020 – Language Arts (Reading/Literature)
2021 - Language Arts (English, Spelling, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Handwriting, Typing)
2022 – Bible, Art, Music, PE
2023 – Science, Health
2024 – Social Studies

Bible

Students in middle school develop their Biblical knowledge through study of the Bible, Bible verse memorization, and the application of this knowledge. Class discussion offers students the opportunity to share their faith with their peers. Luther's Small Catechism

Science

Science 6

In the sixth grade, students grow in their understanding of the world God created in Earth Science. Students dig into scientific explanations that are subject to rules of evidence. There is an integrated focus on the role of the sun’s energy on the Earth’s systems, water in the environment, air and atmosphere, and basic chemistry concepts.

Science 7

As students move to seventh grade, the study of Life Science emphasizes a more complex understanding of change, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world.

Science 8

Science culminates in the eighth grade through Physical Science where an in depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy.

Social Studies

Social Studies 6

World History is the focus of the Sixth Grade curriculum. Students learn about the different peoples, places, and cultures throughout the world. The journey begins in North America, down to Central America and the Caribbean and on into South America. From there, students travel to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. As part of their study, students compare and contrast the world's geography, history, government, and economics.

Social Studies 7

We study World Geography, learning about the landforms and location of countries on the continents of Africa, Asia and Australia and discover some of the characteristics that make these countries unique.

Social Studies 8

Students learn about the beginnings of our nation’s history as it developed from the establishment of the American colonies to its antebellum period prior to the Civil War. Key areas of study include the colonial period, the Revolutionary War, the Constitution and our nation’s political development, the War of 1812, the American Industrial Age, Manifest Destiny, regional divisions, and the issue of slavery. The use of primary documents, research, writing, inquiry skills, and cause and effect are integrated throughout the lessons.

Music

Advanced Band

Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade can develop their instrumental music skills by continuing in the advanced band elective. Lutheran High School North's band instructor teaches this elective also.

Voices of the Spirit Choir

Students in fifth through eighth grade who are interested in choral singing enjoy developing their vocal talent in this elective. Students perform in Sunday and Wednesday morning worship.

Greek and Latin Roots

Over 60 perent of English words originate from Greek and Latin roots. The fundamental purpose of this course is to study Greek and Latin roots to increase the understanding of vocabulary from all areas of the curriculum. Prefixes and suffixes are studied in depth along with common spelling rules.

English and Literature

Language Arts in Middle School is comprised of two areas - English and Literature. First, English is accomplished through an integrated application model where grammar skills are introduced and practiced in tandem with writing projects. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of grammar skills while writing.

The second area is Literature where students develop vocabulary and comprehension. Genres studied are historical fiction, expository nonfiction, realistic fiction, mystery, poem, narrative nonfiction, personal narrative, biography and autobiography, play, informational narrative, and novels.

Through reading a number of novels, the students explore other worlds, time periods, and new ideas. They meet various characters that are not necessarily exactly like them. They also answer questions about the chapters, participate in class discussions, have individual and group projects, and write about various topics which relate to the novels.

Math

The goal of the middle school math program is to provide all students with a strong foundation in mathematics according to their academic abilities, needs and motivation. Immanuel Lutheran School recognizes the importance of mathematical computation at all levels. Students in the middle school are placed in an appropriate level of instruction according to high standards to ensure that students are both challenged and successful. Students will be asked to explain their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Math 6

This course follows a sequentially arranged course of study. Using students’ prior knowledge in the areas of standard operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and integers, the course continues student learning to include ratio, proportion, percent, geometry, data analysis, and pre-algebra skills. Active involvement by students broadens mathematical understanding and lead to refined problem-solving skills.

Math 7

This course is designed to bridge from the concrete, number-oriented mathematics in elementary school to symbol-centered algebra and geometry in high school. This course provides experiences that will prepare them for success in pre-algebra and algebra as well as geometry. Students also make decisions about how to solve problems and communicate their ideas.

Pre-Algebra

This course emphasizes mastery of basic math skills in addition to beginning algebra skills. Pre-algebra concepts such as variables, integers, equation solving, problem solving, coordinate plane, solving inequalities, and radicals will be included in this course. Basic geometry skills involving area and volume will also be explored. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for Algebra I. Students are provided opportunities to explore, problem solve, create mathematical models and work cooperatively with a partner of group. This course enables students to use mathematics in the world around them as well as in their other courses of study.

Algebra

Students in this course must meet the same standards as do high school students who study algebra. Students in Algebra 1 continue their study of patterns and relationships, formalizing their knowledge, learning to use symbolic notation and connecting their understandings to the real world.

Physical Education

Students participate and practice skills used in sports such as soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball, and softball. Classes will consist of stretches, running activities/skills, physical fitness challenge, structured activities, and organized games. Individual skills and team strategies are incorporated. Students prepare for the President's Challenge for Physical Fitness Program.

Middle school students dress out in PE clothes to take full participation in the physical activities. See dress code for required dress.

Art

The art program is designed to increase the student's knowledge of the elements and principles of design with an increased variety of media and techniques and a focus on art appreciation. Students are introduced to the elements of art, principals of design and various styles and techniques of famous artists. Emphasis is placed on these principals, styles and techniques through projects—monochromic painting, cubism, impressionist pastel, landscape drawing, perspective lettering and mosaic.